Many estate planning tools are available to Texas residents to avoid probate court or at least make the process easier. Certificates of deposit, or CDs, are an underutilized estate planning tool that can help to avoid probate court. Certificates of deposit A...
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Estate Planning
Maximizing the benefits of inheritance in retirement planning
Texas is a state known for its vast deserts and cowboy culture. And in Texas, retirement planning is a significant concern for many Texans who want to ensure they have enough resources to support themselves in their golden years. For some, an inheritance from a family...
Estate planning steps late-in-life parents should consider
You always wanted to be a parent, and now you are. But you find yourself in that select group of adults who are late-in-life parents. Regardless, you feel lucky and blessed. With humor, you cast aside comments from people who insist that you must be your child’s...
What do you need to know about assigning beneficiaries in Texas?
A beneficiary legally receives your financial benefits after you die, typically as part of an inheritance. For some accounts, you must designate a beneficiary when you open them; here are a few. Situations that need beneficiaries If you have completed any type of...
Avoiding fights between your heirs over your estate
When you plan your Texas estate, you probably know what assets and property you wish to leave each of your heirs. However, that doesn’t mean disputes won’t arise. There are things you can do, however, to help prevent conflicts between loved ones. Add a no-contest...
Why people hate probate
Probate is by no means among the most popular legal processes in Texas, and there are good reasons why people don't like it. It takes too long, it's hard to understand, and it takes a significant amount of mental and emotional energy - just to name a few. What is the...
How can you handle an inheritance dispute with a sibling?
All Texas residents should plan for the future to protect their families. However, even though a person might leave certain assets to a specific person in their will, that doesn’t mean problems won’t arise. Siblings can end up in inheritance disputes. These are...
What should you do after inheriting a mortgaged property?
Dealing with a loved one's passing is often a difficult time. However, there are often estate-related matters that beneficiaries must take care of after family members pass away. Sometimes, people inherit fully paid-off properties. But things become more complicated...
What is subject to estate taxes?
To figure federal estate taxes at the time of your death, the trustee will first need to determine the fair market value of all your assets, which is your gross assets. Then, they will subtract allowable deductions and allowances for gifts made since 1977 to arrive at...
Why planning your estate now saves your family from frustration
Planning your estate in Texas before you reach an advanced age is one of the best things you can do for the loved ones you'll leave behind when you pass and for your peace of mind. Estate planning is especially if you're remarried and have children because things can...